The Truth About Purple Shampoo: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

If you’re blonde, silver, or rocking fresh highlights, you’ve likely been told that purple shampoo is a must-have. And while it’s a powerful tool for keeping your tone bright and brass-free, it can also backfire if used incorrectly.

At Bombshell Hair & Beauty, we’ve seen it all — from bright, icy blondes to the occasional “help, why is my hair lavender?” moment.

Let’s break down when purple shampoo works magic, and when to use it with caution.

1. When Purple Shampoo Works Like a Charm

Why it works:
Purple shampoo uses violet pigments to neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones in blonde, silver, or platinum hair. It helps extend the life of your color and keeps it looking salon-fresh.

How to use it:
Use it 1–2 times per week and leave it on for 3–5 minutes max. More isn’t better — longer use can lead to dullness or over-toning.

Top Picks We Love:

✨ Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo – Gentle, sulfate-free, and infused with ArganID™ technology to both tone and repair. Perfect for blondes who want a hydrating, balanced cleanse.

✨ Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo – Rich in violet pigment and nourishing botanicals, it’s ideal for maintaining icy tones without compromising hair health.

Both are color-safe, vegan, and ultra-effective — it just comes down to the feel and finish you prefer!

2. When Purple Shampoo Backfires

It happens:
We’ve heard of clients (and TikTok creators) leaving purple shampoo in overnight… and waking up with blue-gray strands and a parched scalp.

The fix:
Purple shampoo is meant to tone — not saturate. Stick to the recommended time and frequency, especially if your hair is fine, porous, or freshly bleached.

Overdid it?
Use a deep conditioning treatment like the Amika Bust Your Brass Intense Repair Mask to restore moisture and balance.

3. Not All Purple Shampoos Are the Same

Every blonde is different — and so is every formula. Some purple shampoos are too pigmented or drying for certain hair types.

Want a gentler approach?

Go for Moroccanoil if your hair is dry, damaged, or you love a luxurious lather with added hydration.

Choose Amika if you want a clean, vegan, and bold-toning formula that still cares for your strands.

Either way, both brands offer professional-grade results with none of the harshness of older, sulfate-heavy formulas.

4. Don’t Skip the Aftercare

Purple shampoo is just the beginning.
You still need to hydrate, protect, and style with care to keep your blonde bright and healthy.

We recommend using a lightweight leave-in, weekly mask, and a color-protecting conditioner to lock in results.

💡 Bonus Tip: Ask the Pros

Not sure which shampoo is best for you? Our stylists can recommend the perfect toning routine based on your hair type, texture, and color goals. Let us help you protect your investment and keep your blonde glowing.

Shop our top purple shampoos now:
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo →
Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo →

Your perfect blonde is just a wash away 💜